The words assembled this week along a lit marquee on the main strip of the Manhattan restaurant and entertainment district read, "BEAT KU," while one sign above a tavern asserted, "We're No. 24!" One announced the goal. The other screamed the present standing of Kansas State, which when ranked has never lost to in-state rival Kansas. But the teams will meet with more than state bragging rights on the line Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

"A 2-0 start in conference play is very important as well," said K-State defensive end Ian Campbell, whose team comes off a stunning 41-21 upset of then-No. 7 Texas on the road last weekend. "We need to handle winning. We came off a big win and played well. KU comes off a bye week and is ready for us. We need to have our heads on right and I think we will."

In handing Texas its worst home loss under Mack Brown, the Wildcats snapped a 46-game road losing streak against Top 10 opponents and jumped into The Associated Press poll for the first time in three years.

K-State players said they noticed a difference on campus during the week. The excitement will spill into the 50,000-capacity stadium for the 11 a.m. meeting that will be televised by Fox Sports Net.

"You guys can sense it, can't you?" nose tackle Steven Cline said. "There's a lot of energy for this game all around town."